Our Program

Our Graduates

Next Steps Beyond FCS

At FCS, we focus not just on where our students attend high school, but also the people they’ve become throughout their time with us. We hear from area schools that our students are strong writers, engaged discussion leaders, effective self-advocates, and thoughtful and positive community members. They bring enthusiasm and joy not just to their classrooms but also to their communities, and above all, they demonstrate a genuine curiosity about learning and school, and they care about their impact upon the world around them.

An Intentional High School Placement Process

At FCS, we guide families towards the right-match schools while also facilitating the outplacement process, which begins in the spring of 7th grade. We meet with every family to discuss desires and parameters and to provide insight into the many high schools in our area. FCS’s placement process supports families with the various logistics involved, such as helping families track deadlines and submit materials, and prepares students for shadow days and interviews. We advocate for students, write letters on their behalf that share each individual’s unique attributes and skills, and host Admissions Directors for information sessions each fall.

FCS Alum, Class of 2025

I am very grateful for how much FCS has improved my public speaking and advocacy skills. These will be keys to my success and prosperity throughout high school.

A Glimpse into HS Placement

List of 7 items.

  • Spring of 7th grade

    Families participate in 8th Grade Preview Night, much of which focuses on the high school placement process.
  • Summer before 8th grade

    Each family has a one-on-one meeting to begin developing a preliminary list of schools.
  • Early Fall of 8th grade

    Students begin exploring prospective schools through Open Houses and admissions information sessions held at FCS. Students may also participate in a test prep course at FCS (optional), and receive coaching on their essay writing.
     
    All 8th graders take a class called High School Seminar, the theme of which is "reflection": reflecting on themselves as individuals, envisioning their high school years, and thinking back on their time at FCS.
  • Late fall and early winter

    Students finalize their list of schools and submit their applications. During their HS Seminar, they identify and learn how to talk about their strengths, and practice interviews. 
  • Early spring of 8th grade

    FCS provides guidance throughout the decision process, as students and families make their choice. Decisions are typically communicated to families in mid-to-late February, with enrollment deadlines in March.
  • Late spring of 8th grade

    During HS Seminar, students prepare for the transition to their next steps and craft their graduation "offerings," a written reflection upon a learning moment that is emblematic of their FCS experience.
  • 8th Grade Graduation

    A celebration of growth and opportunity! Each graduate presents an "offering," a brief speech, to the community, during a thoughtful ceremony designed to honor the voice of each individual 8th grader.

Meet the Class of 2026

FCS graduates were accepted at the following high schools 
and will attend those schools in bold:

The Academy of the Holy Cross
Albert Einstein High School
Archbishop Spalding HS
Benjamin Banneker HS
Bishop McNamara HS*
Charles H. Flowers HS - Science & Tech Program 
Connelly School of the Holy Child
DeMatha Catholic HS
DuVal HS - Aerospace & Engineering Program*
Edmund Burke School
Eleanor Roosevelt HS - Science & Tech Program*
Elizabeth Seton HS*
The Field School
Garrison Forest School
Gonzaga College HS
Indian Creek School
Key School
Landon School
Maret School
Nora School
Northwood HS - MC2 Program*
Our Lady of Good Counsel HS*
Sandy Spring Friends School
St. John’s College HS
St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School
Wheaton HS - Project Lead The Way Engineering Program

*indicates 2 or more students accepted to Honors, STEM, or specialty pre-career programs
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